Gawd I hope not, every Bose auto system I've ever heard has SUCKED hard. You're scaring me in implying that the h/k system is worse. Hopefully a few tweaks to your settings will improve your outlook.

As for being front-biased, car systems should be front-biased. The rear should just be for fill.

 

I agree with you Kevin, I CAN'T STAND B(L)OSE! I hope the H/K system sounds better than Bose. Had it in two different Infinitis...still stinks.

 

Here is the deal, what sounds great to one person sounds like $H!# to someone else. I have a 2005 MCS with a 4 channel Memphis Audio amp, new 6x9's and 6 1/2's and kept the stock tweeters in the door and it absolutely JAMS OUT. it is loud and clear as it can be. I have the HIFI system in my '08 and I think it is a respectable system for listening to Country and Rock. If you turn it up too much though, it tends to break up and my '05 with Memphis M-Class (10 speakers like the HIFI) can be turned up until your ears bleed and it will be clear as can be. But do you think you want to pay $1000.00 for a great aftermarket system, or would you rather have a respectable factory system for $750 which will meet the needs of 95% of MINI enthusiasts and it WAY better than the stock system?

 

I had an 84 vette with Bose Sound. The most PITA thing about the system was each speaker had an integrated amp. The one upside was that it made for less wiring mess and easier to reroute all new speakers to a new head unit w/ the existing wiring. Though since the original speakers needed very lower power the wires were TINY.

 

Wasn't the new H/K supposed to only be initially available in the Mayfair and Camden, then delayed availability to follow in the rest of the line? Sorry, haven't been tracking this lately, so wasn't sure about the latest news. Is it now available in all 2010 MINI's as of Sept/October production?

From MF:

 

Don't know about the exact build dates that the HK was supposed to start being available, but I've got a MCS coming any day now with it, and it's neither the Camden or Mayfair package, so they've definitely started building 'em in all models.

 

In a week or two, I'll be able to compare an R53 w/HK to an R56 w/HK.

There were (the '06 is gone while I wait for my new one) several options to choose from, but the most normal of them was still boomy. Call it mid-bass punch. I didn't think that I'd need the extra, um , oomph of the HK system, until driving down the highway at speed, with both windows and the sunroof open. It got loud enough to sound good without breaking up. I don't get audiophile crazy in the car. The main job at hand it driving, not listening. But, that said, I want it to sound good, which it did. Here's hoping the '10 does as good a job.

 

Bose System? I've had them in both of my Mazdas, and I wasn't all that impressed with them. Of course, I'm from the war baby generation so I'm not into the beg base sounds.

 

Not that it has to do with the thread, but Bose nowdays is half hype and advertising/franchise rights (to car companies too). They started off in around 1970 with a very new concept in stereo speakers (the 901). Now it's all about small systems for cars, surround, headphones, Sears, and Mazda and other cars. IMO you pay a hefty price for the Bose name and can find better speakers for less if you look. The one thing Bose hasn't changed is that they don't discount their stuff (much). They hold fast on the prices (like Mini and Apple).

 

Bose is for Bozos.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

Isn't H/K half hype/marketing/"our stuff has to be good b/c it's expensive", just like Bose, too?

 

They significantly overestimated the delay. HKs started going into builds around week 39 or so.

 

The H/K System is not a bad deal, for $500 bucks it is well worth it, I can tell a big difference from the standard 6 speakers I had on my 09 MC. and if you end up not liking the speakers, I guess you can say it's all pre wired for an upgrade. Oh Yeah I was a week 40, as far as I know the upgrade is available to all.

 

I think this is about as spot on as it gets about the system. Try and make your own 5.1 surround, 400+ watt system for 500 bucks! Plus, I had to run wires in my R53 for a new system and I can tell you, it is not fun!

 

The H/K System is $750. If you paid $500 you probably got the old HIFI 10 speaker system.

The best thing about the HIFI system is that the audio signal at the X9331 connector is unfiltered because the filtering happens at the HIFI amp in the rear. So, it is easier to add a decent amp and good speakers.

 

Robin, your right it was $750, its the H/K system since it does display the name on the speakers, My mistake!

 

A 5.1 surround system? Does that mean it comes with a subwoofer, and a center channel? The HIFI was pretty much just a 4.0 system. I don't count 6" speakers as subwoofers.

So far, I'm into at least $1,500 of additions to what was the HIFI system, and I'm doing it myself. Yea, pulling wires into the doors was not much fun, but I'm enjoying the project overall. Just hope it actually works when I'm done.

You seem only mildly pleased with it. IMO, the HIFI was pretty horrible, and it was a little better than the standard. Care to go into more detail about how the H/K sounds?

 

Anyone have pictures of the speaker grills? Does anything say H/K on it?

 

I had a H/K system in my last car (MB SLK) and it had a center speaker. Harmon Kardon uses Logic 7 (invented by it's sister company Lexicon) which takes 2 ch audio and synthesizes multi channel (5(.1) or 7(.1)), similar to DTS Neo or Dolby Pro Logic II. So in order to do proper Logic 7 the system would require a center speaker.

 

No pic - but yes, the tweeters in the A pillar have h/k on them. The other door speakers have a "chrome" ring around them.

 

Cool! As I recall, my 2003 had a satin finish ring with H/K on the door speakers.

 

Here is a picture of the tweeter from my friend, Lynn's, 2010 Harman Kardon Sound System

 

how does it sound? worth the extra $?

 

Me too, how does it sound. I know that everybody complains about the 09 premium sound system, shucks I listened to the regular radio system and didn't think that it sounded all that bad. Of course my music is the engine. But, it would be nice to hear from a real radio expert and get their opinions.

 

Sorry, I don't have a review. All I have is a picture from Lynn to share. She hasn't even listened to the stereo yet. I doubt she can even hear the difference. I guess we jumped on the bandwagon with everyone else who ordered the H/K system when it became available on the Mini website on 9/25.